Traveling Boy: Terry Cassel - Driving Along the Oregon Coast

Terry Cassel: Campaign Trail

Election 2010
Don't Believe Everything You Think
by Terry Cassel
Illustrations by Raoul Pascual

olitics may be a turn-off to happy travelers and fans of the good life. Thus, I offered to branch out into religion and sex for Traveling Boy, subjects far less controversial. But, alas, we've just been steamrolled by an election here in the U.S.A., so it only seems fair to pick through the wreckage and see if there's anything worth salvaging.

I voted early and often myself. It's the American way. My polling place was in a large meeting room in a public park recreation building. An older German couple, neighbors of ours from up the street, was among the volunteers manning the registration table where I was directed to sign in. They offered me a cookie.

See? There are rewards for voting.

As I strolled purposefully from the polling station, I clumsily pressed the "I Voted" sticker on the pocket of my shirt. Soccer moms were herding their kids into the children's play room before clamoring into the voting area. Quite a few seniors slowly made their way along the sidewalk to the welcoming open doors, while American flags flapped in the warm dusty breeze. I thought about the election process, about how elections are conducted in other countries, and about how relatively few people actually vote in our country.

And I thought, "What does all this have to do with travel?"

Well, this election might lend itself to travel, inasmuch as many folks may choose to leave the country now that the results are in. On the other hand, quite a few folks spouted off after the 2008 elections, claiming they were headed overseas or underground, but I noticed they're all still here, happily drinking tea.

In the political parlance of our time, a Red Tide swept across the country on Election Day. An angry and confused electorate behaved like sharks with blood in the water. While a few races appear to have been decided thoughtfully, the results seem to have been an expression of the fear and near panic among most Americans who chose to vote. Much the same happened in 2008 when another relatively uninformed electorate swept a different group of eager officials into office on a wave of hope and optimism.

And not many Americans chose to vote this time around. Herein lays our problem. European elections routinely generate dedicated citizens to fulfill their right to have a say in what and who their elected officials do and are. Many nations with free elections on other continents also enjoy high voter turnouts.

One problem is that political tactics in America are increasingly alienating the best informed among us. The relentless barrage of negative ads, the ugly lies and misrepresentations, the hate- and fear-mongering, all add up to just so much vomit on our shoes as far as many of us are concerned.

Believe it or not, I'm really not a political person. Most of us don't like to think of ourselves as "political." Politician is a dirty word in today's politics. "Politics" itself is a dirty word. We all like to think we're "above all that." But I do happen to believe it's important to vote, that it means something to be informed about current conditions and events, and be aware of history. And if you don't vote you don't have a right to complain.

So when I read that young people largely stayed away from the polls this time, and that minority voters didn't participate so much, that women and college-educated voters turned out in smaller numbers, the poor, the struggling working class, and so many other critical voting blocs were absent, I felt sick at heart. Perhaps it's the bottled rage and smirking cynicism we see on cable TV, an increasingly influential source of "information" and entertainment for many Americans. Maybe it's the fact that most of us are so busy trying to survive that politics is just a distant annoyance, some white noise in the background of our troubled lives.

I spoke with two Swedish friends today about their take on this election. Do tourists even pay attention to U.S. politics?

Josef, who comes to California for one month every year, told me he feels sorry for America because he believes the political class doesn't represent the "real value" of the American people. He thinks Americans can be "loud and stupid" sometimes, but he loves the culture, the beauty of the cities and the countryside, and the kindness and generosity of the poeple he sees every day.

His companion this trip, Nila, told me she hates politics in Sweden. She believes there is corruption in all government. She thinks corruption and scandal are "built in" to government, and that it couldn't exist without illegality and lying and bribery. I laughed and she insisted she was serious.

I asked them about the Tea Party. Josef said there are little movements like that in all countries. There are groups of people everywhere who feel left out. Nila thought the Tea Party was just an excuse for people to rant and have a moment of fame. I suggested that the profoundly anti-government rhetoric of the Tea Party might echo strangely in the halls of Congress now that a few of them were actually elected. We agreed that most Tea Partiers were as uninformed as the rest of us.

After I said farewell to Nila and Josef at a West Los Angeles Starbucks, an Asian student who had overheard our conversation approached me and said that it didn't matter who got elected in America. The country is stronger than its government, wiser than its leaders, and more fun than a hamster in your underwear. (No, she didn't say that thing about the hamster, but she did go on.) She did say that in China, where her home is, elections are a joke and a fraud. She appreciates the freedom we have in America.

So it comes down to this. Freedom. No matter what we think or believe, we still have a chance every two years to throw the bums out if we don't like them. This is an opportunity other countries seem to relish more than we do, in terms of the percentage of people who vote, but it's an opportunity that's not lost on the most passionate (some say "extreme") among us here in America.

It's not a crime to be misinformed. But it's a shame to be disengaged. Wherever you live, whatever you believe, your nation needs you to get involved in the political process. Vote. Or, at the very least, help clean up the tea bags after the party.

Terry's Feedback

Great article, Terry Cassel. Balanced and articulate. We have until Nov 4 to sift through the glitz and image-making and make a serious choice baaed on the candidates' intelligence, character, experience, and stances on major issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and energy independence. The election will soon be upon us. Let's hope that, between now and then, the debate turns serious.

- Norman, Madison, WI

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Thank you, Norman, and well said.

Let's also hope the campaigns will show some respect to the voters and stop
the incessant dishonest attacks. This time around, let's not allow the hate
speech and fear-mongering dominate the agenda. Americans are growing weary
of being treated like fools.

- Terry

Terry,

Thanks bro, for another illuminating piece. You never cease to surprise me. Especially appreciated the link to Sarah Palin addressing the Wasalia Assembly of God. May everyone I forward it to watch it beginning to end and draw the same conclusions!

Your Boitano Sister, Citizen of the World

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Hello Sister,

Thanks for your "worldly" support. I, too, believe there are definite conclusions most folks will draw upon viewing that video.

- Terry

Hi Terry,

Nice article and refreshing to read such an unbiased view of what could be a visit back to happier and less complicated times of the 1940's and 50's. Back to the cold war period and back alley abortions. At least I'll have less difficulty shooting wolves and moose from a helicopter. My only concern is that when she's making important decisions that will effect the planet, will she know if the little voice inside her head telling her to go to war with Russia, will be God's or just another voice in her head.

Steve, Topanga, CA

Nice article, gives the appearance of impartiality. The fact of the matter is that those who don't think a governor is ready to be vice president, would prefer to elect a community organizer for the higher office of president, whom few can articulate what his accomplishments, if any, really are. I am biased, since Gov Palin and I share a similar alma mater and Christian faith. And I was born in Anchorage, too. What most aren't saying who are opposed to her, is they just don't want a Christian or gun-rights advocate, or pro-life person in office, so they say things like "she has no international foreign
policy experience" when I don't recall the same group complaining about that lack of experience when governor Clinton ran for president. Or governor Reagan for that matter.But we shall see what we shall see. There are obviously different world views animating each party, and I respect that they are sincerely held by both. (I just hope my side wins) :)

Chris, Boise, Idaho

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Thanks, Chris.

You make a good point about the issue of experience, especially in a vice presidential nominee. Voters will define experience in different ways.

I recall the foreign policy inexperience of Govs Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, Jr. all being debated prior to their elections. But the issue is arguably less relevant for a vice presidential nominee.

Al Gore and Dick Cheney, each with extensive government and foreign policy experience, became powerful and influential vice presidents, ready to step in as president at a moment's notice. There's no reason Gov. Palin must follow that mold. Spiro Agnew and Dan Quayle were nominated, by Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush respectively, simply to shore up a political base. This is a legitimate role. That's all some presidents expect their vice president to do.

Terry

Thank you for wonderfully thoughtful words on Gov Palin, beginning with that quote from T.S. Eliot.You are much more generous toward the lady in question than I am; in fact, generosity is not what I feel I need to muster up to make a decision about her worthiness as a candidate. I think she is a cruel joke played first on women; second, on the Democrats; and third,on this too to gullible country. I wish Karl Rove had remained at home in Texas, retired, but the Republicans could never let a mother lode like that go dormant.Bitter am I? --- guess so --- and will be so disappointed if this country doesn't give obama a chance to shine in its own eyes again as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.

P.S. re my comment on your earlier article, realize it wasn't friendly to wish you a trip to Beirut --- guess I was wishing you could visit the "old" Beirut for me!

Brenda, Richland, WA

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Brenda,

Many folks are unsure about Gov. Palin's readiness for the international stage. This includes quite a few Republicans I speak with as well. It is to be expected, inasmuch as she is virtually unknown outside Alaska and has only begun to be vetted by American voters and the press.

Over the next several weeks, as her handlers allow her to appear more often before the media, we may discover more about her. Meanwhile, the contest between McCain and Obama continues to heat up. Let's hope voters will cut through the lies and personal attacks and concentrate on the serious issues we face.

And, yes, I've never been to Beirut, but I know that at one time it was a safe, vibrant and beautiful cultural center.

Terry

Terry,

Good article. I see what you're saying about the majority of the nation not knowing who she is. Be that as it may, many are turned off by the current candidates whom we DO know. Several of my friends including myself have been disinterested with the campaign. Blame it on the mud slinging and that dirt thrown by the candidates and the media. Palin's surprise entry in the ring has actually revitalized many of us.

So far, depending on who you decide to listen to, her accomplishments in the short term she has been in office is better than that of Obama whose records are good in paper but has lacked substance. She has an approval rating of 80% among her Alaskan constituents which is better than most gevernors. Obama seems to be riding on promises more than accomplishments. Even his colleagues like Sen. Kirk Watson, are at a loss as to what he has really done.

If you are impartial to evangelical Christians, then she is definitely NOT your (wo)man. Here is a clip of her giving glory to God after giving birth to her baby.

At least you know where she stands. Some candidates are more conscious of what people want to hear than what they really believe in.

Here's a link to a blogger with aprehensions similar to yours. Click here.

Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

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Peter,

Thanks for your insights.

The Constitution guides my own biases about the vice presidency. Ultimately, the only stated duty of the vice president, besides being the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, is to step in as president should the president be unable to complete his or her duties as Commander-in-Chief. Any other tasks are assigned by the president as deemed fitting.

It's an issue of governance, yet many presidents choose running mates whom they believe will help them get elected, not help them govern. Of course there are no rules. It's a personal choice.

Selecting a running mate is the first real presidential decision a candidate will make. With Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin as the choices, I believe we have the first clear window into the thought processes, wisdom and judgment of our two candidates for president.

Terry

I liked the article on Palin. It tries to be impartial. Actually, there is much to recommend Palin. For one thing, she has revitalized the Republican party.

My main concern is "CAN SHE BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.? " Common sense tells me, (God Forbid!) that there is a big possibility that McCain may not be able to last his full term if elected. (Age, health) I do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.

Personally, I like McCain, and wouldn't mind if he gets elected. Between Obama and McCain, the citizens of U.S. have a good choice. Let the people speak. Here's the thing. I admire Biden too, and I believe he can easily step into the shoes of the presidency should something happen to Obama. I can't say the same for Palin. And after all, the main role of the VP is to be a stand-in for the presidency.

Henrietta, a US citizen residing in the Philippines

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Henrietta,

I appreciate your remarks. And I agree with you. I believe the country has a clear choice, and a good one, between Sens. McCain and Obama. At this point I also believe we have an even clearer choice between Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden.

Terry

Thanks, Terry, for letting me hop on your shoulders (in my imaginary travel, I'm light as a feather) and wander the streets of Istanbul with you. This mode of travel allows me to smell the smells, see the sites, as you describe, but avoid the crushing heat and humidity!

Most of all I enjoyed the wisdom of Mahir - his wonderfully simple declaration of being a Turk first and then a Muslim; his observation that Americans are children in this world. Only children could elect the biggest bully to its highest office and give him the keys to a closet full of horribly dangerous toys. One can only hope we'll grow up before we blow up.

Please travel to Beirut - another city I've always wanted to 'walk.'

Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Hughes
Richland, WA

I'm struck by how kind and civil the people were to you considering how much hostility (justified) that they have toward our government. It's refreshing to know that if Obama or Clinton becomes President he/she may be able to begin to heal these wounds and hopefully undo the Bush/Cheney damage and that because people of all faiths are good people, the damages don't have to be permanent.

p.s.

You make Istanbul sound like a great destination.

Roger Fallihee
Puyallup, WA

I so had to laugh at your conversation with Ali. Trying to be an open minded American abroad and having a political discussion can be a very frustrating experience. Now matter how open minded we can be, or how many points about our own country we willingly admit, it can be so tough getting others to do the same. They do seem to take any topic (such as the Armenian genocide) and just turn it back to us. "But what about all the bad things the US has done?" Yes, but...I already conceeded that. Can we talk about your country now? As I'm heading for uber-anti American Serbia in 3 weeks I'm going to keep your Istanbul experience in mind.

Ben Liu
Seattle, WA

Stay tuned.